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Presidential Ideas
January 18, 1803
U.S. President Thomas Jefferson sends a secret message to Congress asking for approval and funding of an expedition to explore the Western part of the continent. Spring 1803
Meriwether Lewis begins his training as the expedition's leader in Philadelphia. -
Begginings of a Group
Summer 1803
In Pittsburgh, Lewis oversees construction of a keelboat, then picks up William Clark and other recruits as he travels down the Ohio River. Fall/Winter 1803
Lewis and Clark establish Camp Wood, the winter camp for their Corps of Discovery, on the Wood River in Illinois. -
Lets Head West
May 14, 1804
The Corps of Discovery leaves Camp Wood and begins its journey up the Missouri River "under a gentle breeze." -
North Dakota Winter
December 24, 1804
The men finish building Fort Mandan, their winter quarters in present-day North Dakota. -
New Land, New Life
February 11, 1805
Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau—nicknamed Pompy by Clark—is born with assistance from Lewis. -
Oh The Pacific!
November 7, 1805
Believing he sees the Pacific, Clark writes, "Ocian in View! O the joy." In reality, they are seeing only the widening estuary of the Columbia River. -
The Way Home
September 23, 1806
Having found an easier route across the country, the men reach St. Louis nearly two and a half years after their journey began and are acclaimed as national heroes. -
Suspicious Ends
Mayweather Lewis is found dead. Authorities are not sure of how, suicide is ruled what probably happened